"What do you mean?"

I sneered, picking up the fruit knife from the table and lowering my voice.

"First, give me back my wages. Second, I want a written guarantee stating clearly that the debt is yours—it has nothing to do with me. Third, I'm moving out tomorrow. Whatever happens after, I won't come looking for you. Just pretend I don't exist."

"Otherwise, I'll go out and do something stupid, and Ryan won't pass his background check. Ever."

"If you won't let me live in peace, none of us will."

They clearly didn't expect me—the girl who only ever cried and caved—to suddenly snap. Ryan shot to his feet, then looked at Dad in panic.

Dad was shocked and furious. He reached out to hit me. "You're rebelling!"

I'd seen truly ruthless people inside. I knew he was all bark and no bite. I pointed the knife at him.

"Take one more step. Find out if I dare."

He froze. Mom clutched her phone, voice trembling. "Fine, fine! It's just a few thousand dollars. I'll transfer it now, okay?"

"Ungrateful wretch. Your brother making something of himself benefits the whole family! Don't come crying to us later!"

Making something of himself? You already destroyed your precious son's chances yourselves.

I kept my guard up. "The written guarantee too. Write it. Now."

When it was done, Mom and Dad's eyes burned with hatred.

I tucked the paper carefully into my pocket, turned, and walked toward the door.

I only made it a few steps before sharp pain exploded at the back of my skull.

I spun around. Ryan stood there holding a vase, his face twisted.

"We can't let her go. Words mean nothing—she's already had this idea. She'll sabotage me!"

"I worked so hard for this exam. I'm one step away! If she ruins it, I'd rather die!"

I struggled to run, but Dad reacted instantly, slamming me to the ground.

My face smashed into the floor. The bridge of my nose felt shattered. Blood dripped onto the tile.

"He's right! This damn girl stays under our roof until it's over."

"Once results are out, we throw her out. Wherever she dies is her problem."

They dragged me by my hair. My vision went black.

When I woke, I was in the basement. My phone was gone.

At mealtimes, the door cracked open. I gathered every ounce of strength and rushed it.

But Ryan was ready. He shoved me hard. I hit the ground and my ankle twisted—the pain was blinding.

He tossed several steamed buns and a water bottle at my feet.

"Still alive? Gone crazy from jealousy?"

"Relax. Once I'm in, I'll let you out. Be smart and disappear. My record can't have a stain like you."

I lifted my head and smiled.

I couldn't wait to see that stupid face when he learned the truth.

I lost track of how many days I spent in that basement. The wounds on my foot and head had gone numb. The fever burned so hot even my bones ached.

As long as Ryan saw I was still breathing, he didn't care. I forced myself to hold on, fighting to stay conscious.

Finally, I got what I'd been waiting for.

The house had thin walls. The phone's ring was crystal clear.

Ryan's voice trembled with excitement. "Yes, yes—I'm Ryan Gilbert. The review results are out?"

A long silence. Over a minute.

His tone plummeted.

"What do you mean by that? Does my sister have some kind of problem?"

"Huh? You need to confirm it with her in person?"

Ryan went quiet. Mom was the first to snatch the phone.

"Yes, I'm Alex Gilbert. What do you need to confirm?"

"What happened during 2024 to 2025? I was just working as a regular employee at Stellar Tech in Seaside City."

"Certain? Of course I'm certain. If you need proof of employment, we can exchange contact info and I'll send it over."

"Hey, okay, okay, okay. From now on you and my brother will be colleagues, so look out for each other."

Mom happily hung up and patted Ryan on the shoulder.

"Good thing I reacted fast, right? If that girl had answered, who knows what mess she would've made."

Ryan's tone still held a trace of doubt.

"What if she really did something shameful last year? The review for my position is strict; she could..."

Mom waved it off, every word dripping with joy.

"I know her. She doesn't have the guts."

"Besides, that caller's tone was so polite. They clearly know you're in, and they want to get on your good side early."

"How about this—we'll invite relatives and friends over the next couple days. I'll cook, and we'll celebrate properly."

I listened from outside as they made call after call, summoning everyone even remotely related.

I tore at a cold, hard steamed bun and forced it down with cold water.

The show was about to begin. I needed my strength to witness the moment all three of them fell apart.

On the day of the party, Ryan came to the basement early. He looked down at me and kicked.

"I didn't want to let you out, but everyone knows you're back. With my status, I can't have people talking."

"Go shower, wash your hair, change into something clean. Don't embarrass me."

"Behave. You know Dad has a temper. Otherwise it won't just be the basement."

I propped myself up, found the first aid kit, and did some basic bandaging.

The relatives arrived in the afternoon. When my eldest aunt saw me, she froze.

"Alex, what happened to you?"

Dad shot me a vicious look.

"Got drunk and fell. Couldn't stop her."

"Don't mind her. Today's about Ryan—he even prepared gifts for everyone."

The family's savings had long been drained by Ryan's mess.

But to keep up appearances, the three of them maxed out their credit cards and scraped together more.

They bought abalone and sea cucumber, Moutai for the alcohol, and ordered premium steaks and desserts from a five-star hotel.

Mom hesitated before placing the order. Ryan waved his hand.

"This is the highlight of my life—it can't be shabby."

"Besides, once I start working, paying it back will take minutes. Let those snobs see how well we're doing."

The whole table ate until grease shone on their lips, everyone flattering my parents.

"Old Mr. Gilbert, you really are blessed. Ryan's looked smart since he was little. Our whole family will be counting on you."

Dad beamed so hard his face might split.

"Hey, don't say that. You came today to eat well, drink well, and enjoy yourselves!"

When they'd drunk to a pleasant buzz, Ryan raised his glass. His tone already carried an official air.

"Everyone, quiet down. Let me say a few words."

"Getting to where I am today wouldn't have been possible without the support of all the elders here. I hope you'll continue to visit often and lend a hand in the future."

"I definitely—"

Before he could finish, Ryan's phone rang.

"Hello, am I speaking with Mr. Ryan Gilbert?"